CHAPTER 4: SCREENING FOR CERVICAL CANCER

120 PS 9: Collecting Samples for HPV DNA TestingPS 9Practice Sheet 9: Collecting Samples for HPV DNA TestingPreparation1. Explain what an HPV test is and what a positive test means. Ensure that thewoman has understood and obtain informed consent.2. Do a speculum examination as described in Practice Sheet 7.Taking the sample3. Take a smear from the top of the vagina and the cervical os using a brush orswab.4. Place the brush or swab in a special container with preservative solution.5. Gently close and remove the speculum.6. Place all used instruments in decontamination solution.7. Label the container with the woman’s name and clinic record number, and thedate.After taking the specimen8. Tell the patient about anything unusual you noted.9. Record your observations and the taking of the sample on the patient chart.10. Tell the woman when she should return for the test results.PS7PS7 Pelvic exam11. If you saw something for which you wish to refer the woman to a higher level,explain why, where and when she must go, and whom to see; stress theimportance of keeping this appointment.Alternative method: self-collection1. Explain to the woman how to collect her own specimen, as per instructions ofthe manufacturer of the test kit.2. Provide her with swabs and a vessel with preservative solution.3. She can collect the specimen in the clinic, if there is a private area, or at home.4. If she collects the specimen at home, she should bring it to the clinic as soon aspossible, and in any case within the time specified by the manufacturer of thetest kit.5. Send the specimen to the special laboratory for examination.